eSSagE Now that summer is near, lAssociation des francophones de Nanaimo invites you to join in on the summer fun. It is an especially exciting time in Nanaimo this year as it celebrates its status as Cultural Capital of Canada and participates in the BC150 festivities. Join the party on Francophonie Day on Tuesday, June 24, and see Maffeo Sutton Park come alive with French Canadian culture. The event runs from 4:00 to 11:00 pm. Revel in music and the traditional St-Jean-Baptiste Day bonfire. The festivities honour the French patron saint and celebrate the ancient rites of the summer solstice, a time of light and hope. And then, of course, there are the Canada Day Celebrations! Join us again at Maffeo Sutton Park on Tuesday, July 1, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Get decked out in red and white and come celebrate Canada’s 141st birthday in the park with patriotic ceremonies, multicultural arts, and entertainment. This grand event begins with a parade of the Canadian flag and all provincial and territorial flags, featuring the RCMP and a variety of local cultural groups. There will also be fun children’s activities and entertainment. Featured Canada Day performers include our own Joélle Rabu and popular children’s entertainer Rick Scott with Pied Pumpkin. Unfortunately, we cannot present our popular French Summer Camp for Kids this year. We hope to present this fun and educational camp again in 2009. Thank you. Have a fabulous summer! femme thpend Société francophone de Maillardville wins the Prix Boréal Société francophone de Maillardville has receivec the Prix Boréal 2008, an award given by the Fédération de: communautés francophones et acadienne in recognition of it: essential contribution to the development and vitality of the francophone communities in British Colombia and acros: Canada. Its dynamic and inclusive vision of French-speaking communities, the centennial of the Maillardville community in 2009 and the support of FCFA members also contributec to the selection of Société francophone de Maillardville for the Prix Boréal 2008. “The board of directors, employees and members o: the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) are delighted that Société francophone de Maillardvillc received this award” has declared M. Serge Corbeil, vice- president of FFCB. “The Société francophone de Maillardville’: candidature has generated a large mobilization from the FFCE members and French-speaking citizens all over the province.’ he added. Richard Soumis, Société francophone de Maillardville president, has received the award at the Federation’s AGM held in Québec city on June 13". “Société francophone dc Maillardville has the mandate to keep the francophone village memories alive while adapting to the actual urban context tc assure the vitality of the community in the future. I proudly receive this award in the name of the employees, volunteers anc the community of Maillardville who are taking an active part ir the growth of this community.” The association takes a holiday! The offices will be closed from July1st to August 31st. We wish our memebers and their family a beautiful Summer! Le bastion ETE 2008 13